While firefighters work to contain a massive wildfire in New Mexico, the blaze has forced few horse evacuations, according to agricultural authorities in that state. But national authorities believe 2012 could see an increase in wildfire frequency and have cautioned horse owners to prepare for fires before they occur.

On May 16, wildfires erupted in the Gila National Forest near Glenwood. By June 1, the blaze had burned 216,650 acres and was just 10% contained. New Mexico Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Katie Goetz said that despite the size of the fire, the village of Mogollon was the only town evacuated so far.

"It’s a very small village of only about 15 or 20 people, and the one family that did have a horse was able to relocated to a family member’s property out of the fire zone," Goetz said.

A total of 40 horses residing in pastures on two separate ranches were also safely transported to locations outside the fire zone, Goetz said